Magicseaweed Steamer Lane (2024)

FAQs

Is steamer lane beginner friendly? ›

The Lane is generally best for intermediate to advanced surfers due to its rocky bottom and the skill level of the locals. It's also worth noting that Steamer Lane is typically crowded, thanks to its high-quality waves and accessibility from Santa Cruz.

Main access is via a staircase down to the rocks in front of the main parking lot, though you'll see some locals skipping the paddle out by jumping off the bluffs near the Slot.

Today's Steamer Lane-The Point sea temperature is 56 °F.

The best swell direction is from the southwest due to the northwest winds. The absolute best time to visit Steamer Lane is around mid-tide while the tide is on the rising cycle.

Steamer Lane was named by Claude Horan while he was a student at San Jose State in the late 1930s. One flat calm day he and his friend Wes Hammond thought it would be a good idea to hire steamships to cruise back and forth to generate waves for surfing.

Steamer Lane-The Point Surf Guide

Steamer Lane-The Point in Santa Cruz is an exposed reef break that has very consistent surf and works all around the year.

Santa Cruz had produced many talented surfers over the years, including Kevin Reed, Vince Collier, and Richard Schmidt, but this was something different.

The Lituya Bay tsunami not only became a crucial study point for research but also solidified its status as the largest recorded wave.

The seaside town of Nazaré, Portugal, is home to some of the world's biggest, gnarliest waves.

Where are the biggest waves in Miami? ›

The South Beach is one of the most known beaches in Miami, and it surely is one of the hotspots for surfing. You will find the strongest waves at the South Pointe Park, just before the pier, which is also known for decent fishing.

Today's Belmar sea temperature is 50 °F.

Today's Niagara Rivermouth sea temperature is 50 °F.

Today's Ocean City - 7th Street sea temperature is 54 °F.

Cowell's is the best beginner surf spot in Santa Cruz. It runs north of Santa Cruz Wharf until you get to Steamer Lane. On most days, Cowell's is a fun and mellow surf break for longboarding. Because this surf break is fairly protected from larger north and northwest swells, it rarely gets too big to surf.

Steamer Lane is of the most popular and often overcrowded surf spots in Santa Cruz. It's easy to get to and has plenty of parking space. Steamer Lane is just off of Lighthouse Point and because the point faces south, most of the winds and big swells that you get in the North Coast surf spots are calmer at Steamer Lane.

Santa Cruz normally works best with low to mid tide, but this can change depending on the sand banks.